The Taranaki health sector continues to work towards the targets, which are indicative of a wider range of services and efforts in priority areas.

“Whilst we are delighted that we have improved in most of the targets, we are committed to working towards achieving the targets, while still recognising there are areas for improvement,” Planning and Funding, and Population Health General Manger Sandra Boardman says.

She says a focus on the six key areas is important to continue to improve health, reduce inequalities and improve the quality of health services for local people. “The targets provide a useful indication of how we are doing.”

The Health Targets are:

1) Shorter Stays in ED. Target 95%, Achieved 91%
We are disappointed to drop below the target of 95% of patients seen in ED admitted or transferred from the ED within six hours. This has been an enormous effort by the Emergency Department and the whole hospital approach. Our team continues to focus on improving the flow of patients in our acute pathway work.

2) Improved Access to Elective Surgery: Target 100%, Achieved 111%
Taranaki residents received higher than planned levels of elective surgery – 111% for the quarter – with 2412 people receiving elective surgery across all providers. This is a very pleasing result but we will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to maintain our target.

4) Increased Immunisation: Target 95%, Achieved 91%
Increasing immunisation rates are a priority in order to reduce the incidence of preventable disease in our community. Taranaki continued to work hard to meet its target in this area, and it is pleasing to note an improvement in this quarter. The DHB is working closely with the PHOs in Taranaki to educate and inform the community on the benefits and importance of immunisation.

5) Better Help for Smokers to Quit: Target 95%, Achieved 90%
We are disappointed to be down 3% from our first quarter result but we continue to work hard at reaching this target. An online learning tool for staff and a dedicated smokefree liaison position has been implemented and producing positive results across the DHB.

6) Better Diabetes and Cardiovascular: Achieved 80 %
Taranaki DHB continues to do well in this target and the DHB continues to support the PHOs in ensuring there are services in place to meet this target. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are among the main causes of ill health in Taranaki.